Category: blog

How to Roll a Joint

Posted on by diamondtreeseo

Although there may be many ways to enjoy your cannabis flower these days, there’s a reason the joint has remained a timeless classic. There’s something special about rolling up and smoking in one of the most traditional fashions.

However, there is one small drawback to this method of cannabis consumption — the actual rolling part.

If you don’t know how to properly twist one up, you can have one of the worst smoking sessions of your life, wasting weed and hardly getting a single good hit in the process.

The good news is that it just takes a little know-how and some diligent practice to become a joint rolling artist. To help you get started, look at this comprehensive guide on how to roll a joint.

Getting Started

Before you learn how to roll a joint, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got all of the necessary items, including the following:

  • At least a half gram of high-quality cannabis flower
  • A pack of quality rolling papers
  • Material for your joint filter
  • A paper clip or other poking tool
  • Grinder
  • Lighter

The last essential is a flat rolling surface. It’s always preferable to use a table or desk, but there are times when those are not available, and the show must go on. If that’s the case for you, you can use the classic textbook or magazine, or you can purchase a rolling tray for extra efficiency and some added style points.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 1: Break Up Your Flower

Your joint will always burn better when you have the flower broken down nice and fine. This can be done with your hands, but that can be a tedious process that’s even trickier when the buds you’re working with are extra sticky. For that reason, a grinder is always clutch. Throw about a half gram into one, and grind it up nicely.

Using a half gram is only a suggestion, but for anyone just learning how to roll a joint, you shouldn’t really go any bigger than that, or you’re likely to have a bit of trouble getting it twisted up properly. You may even lose some weed in the process.

Stick to a smaller amount at first and then increase it once you’ve upped your game.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 2: Break Out the Papers

Once you’ve got your flower ready for rolling, the next move is to grab a rolling paper and lay it out flat with the glue side up on your rolling surface.

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to rolling papers, both in the material they’re made from and the size they are cut. Picking the best ones for you is generally a matter of preference, but when first learning how to roll a joint, it’s best not to go any smaller than the standard 1 ¼, or you may run into trouble.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 3: Add the Filter

Joint filters are hypothetically optional, but you should strongly consider using one when you roll. You can purchase premade filters, or you can grab any piece of thin, malleable cardboard and create one yourself. Some of the best DIY filter sources are magazine subscription cards, index cards, or your rolling paper packaging.

You just want a small piece of this filter material to act as a buffer between your mouth and the weed and offer a little extra structural integrity to the joint. Rip off a piece, roll it into a little circle with space for the pull, and then lay it at one end of the paper.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 4: Add the Weed

Now you’re going to lay out the ground-up weed evenly across the paper and then form a little pile toward the center of it. You want to be able to pick up the paper without weed pouring everywhere, so keep the pile relatively tight but not so tight that it might impact the pull.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 5: Twist It Up

This next step requires a little finesse that most people don’t just naturally have. If you’re finding it awkward at first, that’s totally normal. You’ll become much smoother with it once you’ve got some reps in and you have a feel for how it works.

It’s a lot like tying your shoes or riding a bike — puzzling at first but second nature in due time.

You’re now going to pinch the paper together and then pick it up and begin rolling it into form. Keep the weed from the edges of the paper, or it will start falling out during the process. Once the flower is in proper form, you can roll it up, leaving the glue edge exposed for the sealing process.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 6: The Sealing Process

Now it’s time for the all-important finishing touches. You’re going to lick the glued edge of the paper, making sure not to overdo it with the moisture, and then gently seal the joint together.

You want to be careful to hit that Goldilocks zone on the tightness of the roll here. Too loose and the whole thing will start coming apart when you’re smoking; too tight and you’ll get little to no pull.

This is another aspect of the process that requires a little bit of trial and error, so don’t be too discouraged if you struggle a bit and wind up having to reset with a new paper.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 7: Packing the Joint Up

During the rolling process, some of the weed will get jostled around and loosened up. If you just light the joint up right now, you’ll likely have an uneven burn, which can be a hassle when smoking and even render the J unusable.

To avoid this issue, grab that little poking tool we suggested and pack the weed further into the joint from the non-filter side.

How to Roll a Joint — Step 8: Light It Up

You’ve now rolled your first joint. First of all, congratulations. Now celebrate by lighting it up and taking your first hard-earned puff.

Make sure to light the end of the joint evenly and pull gently while doing so. You don’t want to torch the end and make the joint burn up faster than necessary, so pull first and then hold the flame carefully up to the joint until it pulls inward; then, go ahead and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Some Extra Joint Rolling Tips

There’s an art to rolling joints, and it’s not something most people will master in their first few tries, but with these pro tips, you should be well on your way to rolling up masterpieces with regularity.

Choose Your Papers Wisely

For beginners, using small or thin papers will make the process of rolling a joint unnecessarily tricky. Pick at least 1 ¼ size, thicker papers at first, and seek out your preferred style once you’ve got the hang of it.

Roll Gently

It can seem like the best way to keep the weed together and get a nice clean roll is to apply a little force, but this can cause issues with the final product. Always roll with a light touch.

Don’t Be Afraid to Reset

When you’re first getting a feel for things and doing a lot of rolling and re-rolling, there can come a point when you’ve worn out the paper, and it’s ready to rip. Instead of seeing things through for your pride’s sake, it can be best to just reset with a fresh rolling paper and go from there.

Get All Your Rolling Supplies from Diamond Tree

We have everything you need to roll the perfect joint at Diamond Tree. Check out our online store today and get started on your journey to becoming the Da Vinci of doobie rolling.

What Are Terpenes and How Do They Affect Your Weed?

Posted on by diamondtreeseo

Anyone who has sampled cannabis or lived in a college dorm knows when they get a whiff of good old reefer.

In addition to the flavors different strains are known for and the effects they produce, cannabis plants, or more specifically, the sticky trichomes found populating the surface of buds, are imbued with terpenes that contribute to the overall experience of smoking flower or consuming full-spectrum products.

What are terpenes? What features are they known for, and what do they have to do with the overall experience of smoking or consuming cannabis? Here’s what you need to know about terpenes and their important role as a component of whole-plant products and full-spectrum extracts.

What Are Terpenes?

The cannabis plant contains several hundred chemical compounds, including roughly a hundred cannabinoids that interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), along with terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds.

Terpenes, specifically, are responsible for the distinctive scents that characterize different strains of weed.

These aromatic compounds aren’t particular to pot — they’re found in all kinds of plants. Consider the familiar scents of herbs and spices like rosemary, basil, cinnamon, lavender, pepper, and mint. The sweet, zesty smell of citrus can be attributed to terpenes, as can the fresh bite of pine.

That said, terpenes are most commonly discussed in relation to cannabis. With over 150 terpenes identified in different strains and myriad combinations to explore, it’s no wonder terpenes are such a hot topic in the wide world of weed. What are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, and how do they impact your experience?

Common Cannabis Terpenes

You can’t fully answer the question, “What are terpenes?” without exploring some of the most common terpenes present in cannabis plants. Some are more prominent in sativa or indica, but specific combinations of terpenes are responsible for the uniquely recognizable aromas and flavors of your favorite strains.

While there are dozens of terpenes found in cannabis, not all are present in every strain, and those that are may be present in different amounts. That said, some are more common than others. Here are several of the most common terpenes found in popular cannabis strains.

Caryophyllene

By and large, cannabis terpenes don’t bond with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s ECS the way cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) do, although they’re known to work synergistically with cannabinoids and other chemical compounds. Beta-caryophyllene is the rare outlier.

It has been found to bind with CB2 receptors in the human body and is linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. It also adds peppery, spicy notes to the flavor profile of many cannabis strains.

This terpene is also found in spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper, as well as herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary, so you may find the scent familiar.

Strains like Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), and Runtz OG are among those high in caryophyllene.

Humulene

A mixture of earthy, woodsy, and spicy notes dominate humulene’s olfactory palate, and once you give it a whiff, you may find it familiar. This is because it’s also found in hops used to craft beer, often in high percentages. In fact, it was the first terpene identified in hops.

Also present in black pepper, cloves, and sage, humulene is associated with pain and inflammation management and is thought to be an appetite suppressant.

Humulene is found in strains like GSC, Original Glue, Pink Kush, Skywalker OG, and Super Sour Diesel.

Limonene

From the name alone, you can probably guess what you’ll get when this terpene is present in high quantities.

Limonene is among a handful of cannabis terpenes that produce a zesty, citrusy aroma, and it’s no surprise because it’s also found in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.

The second most common terpene found in cannabis plants, limonene is thought to contribute to stress reduction, and it may have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

OG Kush, Jack the Ripper, Sour Diesel, and Super Lemon Diesel are just a few of the most popular strains high in limonene.

Linalool

Spicy and floral notes dominate linalool, which gives many strains of cannabis a recognizable herbal scent. It’s also found in a range of aromatic herbs and spices like cinnamon, coriander, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint.

Linalool may be a relatively minor terpene in the world of cannabis, but it’s known for its sedative effects and may help ease stress and anxiety.

Some strains notable for the inclusion of linalool include Amnesia Haze, Granddaddy Purple, LA Confidential, Lavender Kush, and OG Shark.

Myrcene

Myrcene is sometimes referred to as the mother of all terpenes and is well known as the most common of cannabis terpenes. It’s not only found in literally thousands of strains, but it often comprises the largest percentage of any terpene present. It could range from an average of about 20% up to over 60% of the terpene profile in some strains.

As you can imagine, the earthy, musky aroma of myrcene is the one most commonly associated with cannabis, and this terpene has been found to contribute to feelings of relaxation. Myrcene has also been linked to the reduction of pain and inflammation.

Like caryophyllene, myrcene is also found in cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, basil, and oregano. It’s also found in tropical fruits like guava and mango.

While there’s no shortage of myrcene-heavy strains to try, Grape Ape, Pineapple Express, Maui Wowie, Northern Lights, and White Widow are some of the most popular.

Pinene

Not every terpene has a name that’s self-evident, but pinene is certainly one that tells you what it smells like. As you can imagine, this refreshing, pine-scented terpene is found in large quantities in pine trees and herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary. It’s also present in orange peels.

Both alpha- and beta-pinene are thought to contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, while the combination of the two has been linked to improved respiratory function.

Some strains known for pinene include Blue Dream, Diamond OG, Dutch Treat, Jack Herer, and Strawberry Cough.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is another terpene that imparts a citrusy aroma, but unlike limonene, it isn’t found in citrus fruits.

Instead, you’ll find it in spices like nutmeg and cumin, as well as flowers like lilacs. This could help explain why, even though it has citrusy appeal, it also tends to be more floral and less sweet, similar to citrus blossoms.

Often used in soaps and cleansers, terpinolene is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a frequent component of many cannabis strains but typically in small amounts.

If you’re looking to add a bit of terpinolene to your cannabis experience, some popular strains that contain this terpene include Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze, and Orange Cookies.

Terpenes Contribute to a Fulfilling Cannabis Consumption Experience

Not every consumer is fond of the flavors and aromas associated with the most common terpenes in cannabis. While there are products available that remove compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, you won’t enjoy the same potent effects when you go this route.

Cannabis terpenes do more than just create the distinctive smell and taste of different strains; they also contribute to the entourage effect, by which all of the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant work together to deliver unique and beneficial effects.

In other words, these compounds working in concert are more valuable and effective than they would be alone — they’re more than the sum of their parts.

When you choose whole-plant or full-spectrum products, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of the entourage effect, along with a range of aromas and flavors that give each strain its unique character.

If you’re ready to start sampling different flower strains to find your favorite terpene combinations, visit DiamondTREE club at one of three convenient locations in East Bend, West Bend, and Madras.

What Are the Differences Between Cannabis Strains?

Posted on by jemsu

Recorded history shows the use of cannabis as far back as almost 5,000 years ago, and although this intoxicating plant has gone through periods of prohibition, stigmas surrounding marijuana have started to wane.

With the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp cannabis at the federal level and dozens of states passing laws to allow the use of medical or recreational marijuana, legislation is finally catching up with social opinion.

While pot wasn’t exactly hard to come by when it was illegal, ongoing legalization has opened the door to major expansion, resulting in new research, cultivation, and products. One byproduct has been many different strains of weed hitting the market over the last few decades.

Whether you’re new to the cannabis scene or you’ve been around for a while, you might not know exactly what people mean when they refer to the strain of cannabis. What qualifies as a strain, and what can you expect from different strains?

What Is a Cannabis Strain?

In a nutshell, the strain of cannabis refers to different breeds of the plant. For legal purposes, cannabis plants are separated into two groups: marijuana and hemp. The major distinction between them centers on a cannabinoid, or chemical compound, known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

Of the hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant, THC is known primarily as the cannabinoid associated with psychoactive effects or intoxication.

Marijuana plants tend to have high concentrations of THC naturally, while federally legalized hemp plants contain 0.3% or less of THC, typically featuring much higher volumes of cannabidiol, or CBD, among other cannabinoids.

The Three Main Categories of Strains

While marijuana and hemp are separated for legal reasons, distinctive breeds of cannabis are differentiated by their effects and broken down into three main groups of cannabis strains: indica, sativa, and hybrid.

While these overarching categories are populated by literally hundreds of more precise strains based on cultivation and content, you can narrow your search by understanding what each main group has to offer.

Indica

Indica and sativa are separated both by physical characteristics and the effects they’re known to produce. Indica strains, in particular, tend to feature dark green foliage, even darkening to bluish or purplish hues in some cases. The leaves of these plants are shorter and wider and may grow more densely. Indica strains are considered very hardy.

Content-wise, indica strains feature lower levels of THC and higher levels of CBD. They’re known to produce effects like a relaxing body high and relief from discomfort, nausea, and sleep problems.

Sativa

Sativa strains are recognizable by their brighter green foliage and leaves that are longer and thinner than indica.

These plants have sparser growth but tend to grow taller – up to 10 feet. Sativa plants are a bit more delicate and do well in temperate climates, although they typically offer lower yields than more robust indica.

These plants have higher THC levels, which makes them a popular choice among many consumers. Sativa is also known to produce a more energizing and stimulating head high, spurring creativity. Some consumers turn to sativa strains to boost focus and reduce worry.

Hybrid

As the name implies, this category of cannabis is a mixture of sativa and indica produced through crossbreeding. For consumers seeking a balance of relaxation, relief, and productivity, hybrids can deliver the perfect solution.

Even better, this category features a wide range of combinations, some offering a fairly balanced blend while others are heavier in indica or sativa. In other words, hybrids can offer something of a curated experience.

With that being said, each main category of strains can be further broken down into specific breeds that feature unique combinations of chemical compounds with a range of flavors, aromas, and effects.

Some of the Most Popular Weed Strains

While indica is thought to have originated somewhere around present-day Afghanistan, and sativa is believed to be native to the Asian region, it’s only in the last century or so that cannabis has been categorized into hundreds of specific breeds and derivatives of crossbreeding.

The genetics of weed strains isn’t always easy to track, and there can be some argument about where different strains originated.

What are some of the most popular strains? How have they evolved, and what can you expect in practical terms?

Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold is one of a handful of cannabis breeds known as “landrace” strains that are thought to have relatively unaltered genetics dating back hundreds of years. As such, it has served as a parent strain for crossbreeding, most notably producing Skunk No. 1. This sativa strain hails from Mexico and features abundant THC content.

Bright green and marked by orangey-gold hairs, Acapulco Gold is known to arouse motivation and deliver euphoric, uplifting effects. Some consumers report reduced feelings of fatigue, stress, worry, and sadness. While the aroma can be a bit funky, a combination of honey and woodsy flavors offers a pleasant consumption experience.

Gorilla Glue

This potent and popular hybrid was created from three different strains: Chem’s Sister (sativa), Chocolate Diesel (sativa), and Sour Dubb (hybrid).

Rumor has it that the pairing of Chem’s Sister and Sour Diesel resulted from an accidental cross-pollination mishap.

The best plant from the bunch was then paired with Chocolate Diesel to create an incredibly sticky and resinous breed that became known as Gorilla Glue, or GG#4.

An award-winning strain, sativa-heavy Gorilla Glue features a famously high THC content and sweet, earthy aromas and flavors (diesel and chocolate, naturally). A buzzy euphoria is par for the course, and some consumers say it can be beneficial for those who experience worry, sadness, and even compulsive behaviors.

Kush

There are many hybrid Kush strains, and because of that, parentage can be a little tricky to nail down. With that being said, the common thread seems to lead back to Chemdog (hybrid), which, in turn, is thought to come from landrace Thai and Nepalese sativa strains.

OG Kush, for example, is thought to be a blend of Chemdog, Lemon Thai (hybrid), and Hindu Kush (indica) that produces a well-balanced experience with both body relaxation and feelings of euphoria. Bubba Kush is said to come from the pairing of OG Kush and Northern Lights (hybrid), creating a hybrid that aids in sleep.

Purple Kush, one of many purple weed strains (ostensibly named for their purple-hued hairs), is a blend of Hindu Kush and Afghani Purple (indica) that offers feelings of deep relaxation and happiness, paired with mildly sedating effects.

There are many more Kush strains out there, with popular breeds tending to help reduce stress and aid in sleep.

Northern Lights

Landrace Thai (sativa) and Afghani (indica) strains are thought to provide parentage for relaxing Northern Lights, although the parentage seems to be pure speculation. What is known is that this strain can both uplift mood and help with sleep difficulties, as well as discomfort, delivering a balanced hybrid experience.

Pineapple Express

You’ve probably heard of this strain, thanks to the 2008 movie of the same name. A mix of Trainwreck (sativa) and Hawaiian (hybrid), this hybrid is slightly sativa-dominant and known for delivering energy and a mood boost with a measure of relaxation. It’s renowned for its distinctive pineapple aroma, for which it is named.

Sour Diesel

Another mistake apparently stemming from a cultivation mishap, Sour Diesel is believed to be the product of Chemdog and Super Skunk (indica). It’s named for its pungent aroma and flavor, with both leaning heavily toward earthy diesel notes with hints of citrus.

Despite some indica parentage, this hybrid is known to produce strong, invigorating effects that could help with feelings of stress and sadness.

Thai

A pure sativa, landrace strain native to Thailand, this strain is considered incredibly potent, producing a euphoric head high and energizing effects.

Sometimes referred to as Thai Stick because of traditional drying and curing practices, this plant is pale green and heavy on the resin. Thai has served as a parent for many strains, including the popular Haze.

Choosing the Right Strains for Your Needs

These are just a few of the many weed strains available in the cannabis market today. While an abundance of choices ensures products to suit every need and preference, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the options.

DiamondTREE is a full-service dispensary staffed by knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are always ready to help with information and guidance. Contact us today with questions, or visit our Bend or Madras locations for an engaging in-store experience.